Overhead power lines

Where overhead power lines are within or near the work area or across any access routes, information about the utility owner must be consulted and a robust risk assessment and method statement developed in full compliance with GS6 and utility owner requirements. Sufficient time must be allowed for lines to be diverted, de-energised, or for other precautions to be implemented.

All lines must be assumed live unless confirmed otherwise by their owners.

Avoidance of work under or near lines by redesigning must be considered. The possibility of diverting the lines clear of the work area and/or making them dead while work is in progress must also be explored.

If eliminating the danger is not possible, the risk must be robustly controlled.

Control access by using suitable physical barriers to prevent close approach where no scheduled work or passage of plant under the lines is necessary.

Where plant will pass beneath the lines, defined passageways must be made.

The danger area must be made as small as possible by restricting the width of the passageway to the minimum needed for the safe crossing of largest plant. It is safest if the passageway crosses the route of the line at right angles.

If work beneath live overhead lines cannot be avoided, barriers, goal posts at the agreed safe clearance limit, and warning notices must be provided.

Plant, equipment, or hand tools that could reach beyond the safe clearance limit must not be taken under the line.

Modification of plant such as cranes and excavators by the addition of suitable physical restraints so they cannot reach beyond the safe clearance limit must be considered where necessary. Cranes with telescopic or fly jibs may need additional restraining devices to prevent alteration in length of jib or angle of fly jib.

Access for plant and materials and the working of plant must be under the direct supervision of a suitable person appointed to ensure agreed safety precautions are observed.

Remember contact with a power line is not necessary for danger; close proximity to live conductors can cause a flashover.